Juan Soto’s Off-Field Impact Revealed, Star Slugger Inspired a Yankees Outfielder’s Improved Swing

It’s funny how quickly Juan Soto has accustomed himself to the New York Yankees’ clubhouse. Just a few months ago this match used to feel impossible but now it’s difficult to imagine them apart. However, the real impact of Soto’s arrival isn’t just seen on the field, it’s visible behind the scenes as well. He has inevitably become the “Latin Leader” of the squad. And that has given him a huge responsibility and if one believes Oswaldo Cabrera, Soto is certainly living up to it.

Cabrera’s name has made multiple headlines after the first two games against the Houston Astros. The Yankees’ switch hitter has made a gigantic comeback after a below-average 2023 lowered his prospects with the team. While it was a lucky break for Cabrera (had DJ LeMahieu not gotten injured, Cabrera wouldn’t have started), Soto’s advice helped the 25-year-old take full advantage of the opportunity.

How Juan Soto transformed Oswaldo Cabrera’s swinging mechanics

Chris Kirschner of The Athletic recently talked to Cabrera regarding his new-found confidence this season. The Venezuelan has gone 6-for-9 in the first two games of this season. That record includes a home run, four RBIs, and his career-first 4 hit game. All of that has seemingly cemented Cabrera’s position in the team’s lineup. According to the star, it wouldn’t have been possible without Juan Soto.

During the Spring Training, Cabrera, Oswald Peraza, and Everson Pereira made it a habit to watch Soto’s cage practice. They tried to understand what makes Soto so special. Afterward, the Childish Bambino would routinely teach them his mechanics and demonstrate why he does what he does. The sessions clearly helped Cabrera who noticed something peculiar about Soto’s intent while on the plate.

“He’s (Soto’s) always trying to hit line drives. When I saw Soto hitting in the cage for the first time, it was low-line drives all of the time, so what am I doing trying to hit homers all of the time?” Cabrera said. The young hitter realized that Soto’s quick arms made it easier for him to reach the ball. But even then the Dominican Star doesn’t try to hit flyballs, instead, Soto believes in a more controlled hitting.

That transformed Cabrera’s thinking as suddenly everything started making sense. Instead of trying to slug as hard as he could, Cabrera decided to focus more on contact.

How contact hitting turned the New York Yankees’ switch-hitter’s fortunes 

Cabrera began the Spring Training with a 1-23 hitting record. That was a woeful beginning for the player and made it obvious that he’d be sent to the minor leagues. However, after learning from Soto, things started turning for the young man. Cabrera finished Spring Training with 9-24 and two home runs. 

Juan Soto too noticed the raw talent that Cabrera possessed. Talking about his Yankees teammate, Soto said that Cabrera’s “Unbelievable. He’s great.” He then shared his excitement to see more growth out of Cabrera. So clearly, Soto has taken up the role of a leader-cum-guardian for the Pinstripes. It’s funny to say that and remember that Soto is the same age as Cabrera. That explains his extraordinary talent, doesn’t it?

Read more: Juan Soto Perfect Fit for the Bronx? Yankees Aggressive in Long-Term Talks Amidst Impending Free Agency